"If we leave
that, Baxter may follow up our tracks, as Sam did, and take it from
under our very noses."
"Tom is right--get the treasure first," said Dick.
Once more they set to work, Sam watching them while trying to get back
his breath and strength. Soon the last of the loose stones were removed
from the hole, and they came upon a thin metallic slab having in the
center a small ring. They pulled the slab up and disclosed a small
square opening, in the middle of which rested a metallic box, about a
foot and a half square and a foot in depth. The box was so heavy they
could scarcely budge it.
"The treasure at last!" came from all of the boys.
"Putty heavy, no mistake about that," was John Barrow's comment. "If
it's silver it's wuth considerable!"
"We must get it out somehow," said Dick, who was as excited as anyone.
"Let's get the crowbar under it."
This suggestion was carried out, and after a good deal of trouble the
box was brought up out of the hole. Beneath it lay an iron key, which
fitted the rusty lock of the treasure casket.
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